Understanding what you can realistically expect to earn as a graduate in Canada is essential for evaluating whether the investment in a Canadian education makes financial sense for your specific field. This guide provides field-by-field salary data for Canadian graduates in 2026, covering starting salaries, 5-year trajectory, and regional variations. StudentBuddy helps international students understand the full financial picture of studying in Canada, from scholarships and accommodation costs to post-graduation career planning through our student resources.
Canadian graduate starting salaries range from approximately CAD $55,000 for social sciences to $130,000+ for software engineering at top tech companies. The national median starting salary for university graduates is approximately CAD $60,000–$70,000. Toronto and Vancouver premium of 10–20% over national median applies for most professional fields.
| Field | Starting salary (CAD) | 5-year salary (CAD) | Top employers | PR NOC TEER |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Software Engineering | $85K–$130K | $120K–$180K+ | Google, Amazon, Shopify | 21231 — TEER 1 |
| Data Science / ML | $80K–$120K | $110K–$160K | Tech, banks, research | 21211 — TEER 1 |
| Pharmacy | $80K–$100K | $95K–$130K | Shoppers, Rexall, hospitals | 31120 — TEER 1 |
| Nursing (RN) | $75K–$95K | $90K–$115K | Hospital networks, LTC | 31301 — TEER 1 |
| Electrical Engineering | $72K–$100K | $95K–$130K | Utilities, telecom, defence | 21310 — TEER 1 |
| Civil Engineering | $65K–$90K | $85K–$115K | WSP, Stantec, municipalities | 21300 — TEER 1 |
| Financial Analyst | $65K–$90K | $85K–$130K | Banks, insurance, consulting | 11101 — TEER 1 |
| Mechanical Engineering | $65K–$90K | $85K–$115K | Manufacturing, energy | 21301 — TEER 1 |
| Business Administration | $60K–$85K | $80K–$120K | Consulting, corporations | Various — TEER 1 |
| Accounting (CPA) | $60K–$85K | $90K–$140K | Big 4, corps, government | 11100 — TEER 1 |
| Social Work | $55K–$70K | $65K–$85K | NGOs, hospitals, government | 42201 — TEER 2 |
| Education (Teacher) | $50K–$75K | $80K–$100K | School boards, private | 41220 — TEER 1 |
Regional salary variations
Salaries in Toronto and Vancouver are typically 10–20% higher than the national average for comparable roles, partially offset by higher cost of living. Alberta's energy sector pays premium salaries for engineering and geology graduates — petroleum engineers in Calgary earn $80,000–$130,000+ starting. Atlantic Canada pays somewhat below national average but with significantly lower cost of living. Ottawa pays competitive public service salaries with exceptional job security and benefits.
Salary vs cost of living — the net advantage calculation
A $90,000 software engineering salary in Toronto is not as financially advantageous as it appears when accommodation costs $1,400–$1,800/month. The same $75,000 salary in Halifax, where accommodation costs $800–$1,050/month, may leave you with more disposable income. Calculate your post-tax take-home pay vs your city-specific living costs before accepting a role based on headline salary alone.
Canadian salaries vs international comparison
Canadian salaries for most professional roles are lower than equivalent US salaries (typically 30–50% below US counterparts in tech), but Canada's lower cost of living outside major cities, publicly funded healthcare, and quality-of-life factors partially compensate. Canadian salaries are generally comparable to UK salaries and somewhat higher than Australian salaries in most professional fields when converted to a common currency.
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Find student accommodation in Canada →Frequently asked questions
The national median starting salary for a Canadian university graduate is approximately CAD $60,000–$70,000, varying significantly by field. Technology and engineering graduates typically start at $80,000–$130,000; social sciences and arts at $45,000–$65,000; health sciences at $60,000–$95,000 depending on specific role.
No — it is illegal to discriminate in pay on the basis of citizenship or immigration status in Canada. International graduates on a PGWP have the same work rights as Canadian citizens and should be paid market rates for their role and experience. Employers who discriminate are violating Canadian human rights law.
In technology and engineering, salaries can grow rapidly — $85,000 starting to $130,000+ within 3–5 years is common in software engineering. In finance, the CPA and CFA designations unlock significant salary progression. In healthcare, experience and specialisation drive consistent growth. In government, salary grids provide predictable step increases.
For maximising disposable income, smaller cities sometimes win despite lower headline salaries. A $75,000 salary in Halifax with $900/month accommodation leaves more spendable income than a $90,000 salary in Toronto with $1,500/month accommodation. Calculate net after housing, not gross salary, when comparing locations.
Yes, with the right qualifications. Software engineering and technology roles are immediately accessible post-graduation for CS and engineering graduates. Finance roles typically require additional professional designations (CFA, CPA) developed over years. Healthcare roles require provincial licensing. The most immediately accessible high-paying roles for new graduates are in technology.
